Avon Global Ambassador Reese Witherspoon and Avon Chairman and CEO Andrea Jung traveled to Washington, DC, in March for International Women’s Day in support of Avon’s commitment to Speak Out Against Domestic Violence. While in Washington, Reese announced Avon’s new Empowerment Ring, which will raise funds to support initiatives to end violence against women in more than 45 countries. Sales in 2008–09 of the Empowerment Bracelet and Pendant Necklace raised more than $8 million globally in more than 50 countries.

Reese and Andrea attended a three-day summit in Washington where Avon launched The Global Partnership to End Violence Against Women with Vital Voices and the US State Department. Avon and the Avon Foundation for Women donated $1.2 million to Vital Voices to convene 15 country delegations consisting of leaders from diverse sectors—business, government, law enforcement, the nongovernmental organization (NGO) community, academia and others—at this global summit to share insights, forge collaborations and seek ways to overcome challenging cultural realities that have been barriers to progress. The Avon Foundation also supported these delegations with a toolkit they can use to implement their action plans.

The Avon Foundation also donated $500,000 to the US Department of State Secretary’s Fund for Global Women’s Leadership to accelerate the global movement to end violence against women. The donated funds will be restricted to provide grants to NGOs around the world working on domestic and gender violence.

Like the other Empowerment products, the Empowerment Ring features the infinity symbol, representing futures with limitless possibilities for women everywhere. It is affordably priced at $5, with $3.80 going back to the cause.

To every customer who buys this new ring and our other breast cancer and domestic violence products, Avon offers you our heartfelt thanks for your dedication and commitment. We could not accomplish our goals without your support. You are the reason we are saving lives.